Government Authorised Exchange Visa (Temporary Work)
Embassy required
- Maximum stay
- 730 days
- Processing time
- 3 weeks (outside UK), 8 weeks (inside UK)
- Fee
- £319
- Validity
- 12 months (work experience) or 24 months (research/training)
- Entry
- Multiple entry
For approved government exchange schemes covering work experience, training, overseas government language programmes, research, or fellowships. Subject to a quota of 45,000 places for 2025. Cannot be used to fill job vacancies or bring unskilled labour. Sponsors must be approved overarching bodies with government department support. Healthcare surcharge: £1,035 per year.
Eligibility
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Age
Must be at least 18 years old
Min age: 18
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Purpose of visit
Must be participating in an approved government exchange scheme for work experience, training, research, fellowship, or overseas government language programme
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Financial
Must have at least £1,270 available for 28 consecutive days
Minimum funds: £1,270
Documents you need
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Passport
Blank pages required: 1; Validity months: 6
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Proof of funds
Accepted forms: Bank statements showing funds held for 28 consecutive days; Minimum amount: £1,270
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Biometrics appointment
Booking url: https://www.gov.uk/government-authorised-exchange; Location: Visa application centre or UK Immigration: ID Check app
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Visa fee payment
Accepted methods: Online payment; Amount: £319
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Sponsorship certificate
Certificate name: Certificate of Sponsorship; Sponsor type: Government-approved exchange scheme operator
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Tuberculosis test
Test type: Chest X-ray at approved clinic (if from designated country); Validity months: 6
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Health surcharge
Amount: £1,035 per year; Applicant category: Main applicant
How to apply
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Document gathering
Obtain Certificate of Sponsorship from an approved exchange scheme operator
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Online application
Apply online up to 3 months before your start date
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Fee payment
Pay the visa application fee and Immigration Health Surcharge
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Biometrics
Prove your identity at a visa application centre or via the UK Immigration: ID Check app
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Processing wait
Wait for a decision on your application